As I am sure you are aware the season to take an Arctic Cruise around Spitsbergen is limited to their summer (June to September). This is the period when the ice starts to melt and access to the north of the islands starts to open up. The timing of the retreat of the ice is different every year and though you might assume with global warming that this would be earlier every year, in 2008 when I undertook my voyage, they had more snow and ice than they had had for several years and this actually prevented us from getting all the way around Spitsbergen. However this did not impact on the quality of our wildlife encounters and one of the 'pure' joys of this type of journey is to travel slowly through the beautiful and atmospheric pack ice.

The company we work with has departures which go 'around' Spitsbergen commencing at the end of June and for people looking to maximise their experience of travelling in pack ice but understanding that this may impact their chance of circumnavigating the islands, this is a good time to travel and it is a period we have first hand knowledge of. Eight of the eleven polar bears we encountered were spotted on the pack ice and for those on board privileged to witness these sightings, we all agreed that this was viewing the 'King of the Arctic' in his/her domain. Some trips even see polar bears hunting or on fresh Harp Seal kills; this type of behaviour can only be witnessed on the pack ice.

The later departures will still be good for wildlife and land based activities will be easier as the snow and ice thaws and makes access easier. On these trips Polar Bears are still encountered regularly but more often on the eastern side of the islands. In addition, for some people circumnavigating Spitsbergen is an important aim and the chance increase as you move through the summer months.

Choosing the right time of year for your Arctic Cruise to match your own personal aspirations is an important decision and we would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further with you, by phone or by email.